AIRPORT AND AIR TRAVEL SECURITY:
Security and Safety Travel Tips

As a result of world events in recent years, travel policies and procedures have been altered to help ensure your safety. Please read the general information below so you can plan accordingly.

To view daily updated airline information, please refer to www.faa.gov. 

In addition, the Transportation Security Administration offers a Web site that provides detailed, airport-by-airport information on wait times at security checkpoints. The site, http://waittime.tsa.dhs.gov, provides hourly and daily average-wait times, based on the last month's data, at any given airport.

Packing Tips

* Airport security screening procedures are significantly more stringent than before. Items in your suitcase that may have passed through before may not be accepted onboard aircraft today. Consider leaving at home items which could be perceived as threatening or may raise suspicion at a screening checkpoint (i.e. items found in a manicure kit). Remember that no knives of any size will be allowed.

* Anticipate having to open bags for inspection. Pack efficiently, placing smaller items together in a pouch or bag.

* Make sure that each suitcase and carry-on bag has a name tag securely affixed to it.

* Be certain that you have a government-issued photo identification card (i.e. driver’s license) or a passport. Identification requirements vary for domestic and international travel. If you are unsure as to what identification is required, please ask. You will not be allowed to check in without the proper identification.

Getting to the Airport

* Before leaving home, call the airline or contact the airline’s Website to confirm the status of your flight. If your flight has been cancelled, contact the airline directly or your Travel Agent to reschedule your flight.

* Expect restricted airport parking.

* Plan on checking in two hours prior to departure for domestic flights. If you are traveling on an international flight, you may be asked to check in as early as five hours prior to departure. Check with your particular airline for specific information.

Arriving At The Airport

* Leave no vehicle or baggage unattended. Aircraft security will be completing thorough sweeps of airport grounds. Expect to see an increased presence of law enforcement personnel both outside and inside the terminal building.

* Proceed inside the terminal with your luggage. Checking in baggage at curbside or any off airport location is no longer permitted.

* It is strongly recommended that passengers traveling to Mexico carry valid passports. While a birth certificate, accompanied by government-issued photo I.D., is currently acceptable for U.S. citizens, passports could become mandatory at any time, without notice. Should passports become mandatory without notice, boarding will be denied to those passengers who do not possess one.

At The Security Checkpoint

* Access beyond the security checkpoints is now restricted to those passengers who've been issued a valid boarding pass.

* Have ticket paperwork available, along with identification.

* Prepare to empty pockets of coins, metals, etc.

* Prepare to demonstrate the operation of electronic equipment such as laptop computers, cell phones, etc.

* Be patient. Do not make jokes about security. Comply with all security instructions.

* Expect increased passenger and baggage security screening. Wand checks and full-body hand searches may be enforced.


At The Gate

* Leave no bag unattended. Maintain a sense of awareness. Expect to see law enforcement personnel and dogs.

* Keep ticket paperwork and identification available

* Expect to see teams of individuals aboard the aircraft before passenger boarding in order to sweep the plane as an added security precaution. These individuals may board the aircraft from inside the terminal building or they may enter and exit via the jet bridge stairs.

* Pay close attention to announcements. Board the aircraft as directed by gate agents. Do not wait until the last minute to board the aircraft.
  

Onboard The Aircraft

* Expect to see random searches of service personnel, flight crews and equipment.

* Listen to and follow crew instructions at all times. Flight crews are trained to ensure comfort and safety.

* Be patient if departure is delayed. Passenger boarding and baggage loading are being carefully coordinated by the ground handling crew.
  

Upon Arrival At Your Destination

* Proceed through the terminal beyond security. Meeting parties are now restricted to areas outside security checkpoints.

* Have luggage receipts available for verification when retrieving luggage.

Departing from a Los Angeles Area Airport? 

Read the Frequently Asked Questions here.

 

 

Copyright © 1992-2010. Healthy Traveler Ltd. All Rights Reserved.
Healthy Traveler name, logo and designs are protected by numerous trademarks and copyrights with the United States Trademark Office,
Canadian Intellectual Property Office and Copyrights and the EU Trademarks and Copyrights Registrations.
Use of this website signifies your agreement to the Terms of Use and Online Privacy Policy (updated August 1, 2010)